Adjustable sprayer

ABSTRACT

An adjustable sprayer comprising a fitting that includes a connector portion, an elongate cylindrical portion extending from the connector portion, and a bore formed longitudinally through the fitting. The sprayer includes a nozzle having a sleeve portion configured to receive the fitting&#39;s cylindrical portion whereby the nozzle is moveable, longitudinally, along the cylindrical portion between first and second spray positions. Movement of the nozzle into the first position permits a full diameter spray pattern through a water breaker. In the second position, fluid flow is restricted to a reduced diameter spray pattern through the water breaker.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/339,054, titled “ADJUSTABLE SPRAYER”, filed Dec.28, 2011, which is incorporated herein as if set out in full.

BACKGROUND

Watering nozzles, known as water breakers, are a favorite for gardeningenthusiasts and professionals for quickly watering potted or beddedplants. Water breakers deliver a large amount of water in a soft showerpattern. The typical water breaker is adequate if the user is closeenough to reach the plants. However, to water plants with the same softshower pattern from a further distance, the user must get closer to theplant or change nozzles. In either case, it is inconvenient and aninefficient way to water a large area. Furthermore, nozzles designed toreach a further distance will disrupt the soil, especially if used upclose, thereby defeating the purpose of a water breaker type sprayer.

Accordingly, there is a need for an adjustable sprayer capable ofdelivering the same soft volume of water that a normal water breakerdelivers yet can adjust to deliver that spray further to reach plantsthat would normally require repositioning or changing the nozzle to adifferent style.

SUMMARY

Provided herein is an adjustable sprayer capable of delivering the samesoft volume of water that a normal water breaker delivers yet can adjustto deliver that spray further to reach plants that would normallyrequire repositioning or changing the nozzle to a different style.According to an embodiment, the adjustable sprayer includes a fittinghaving a connector portion, an elongate cylindrical portion extendingfrom the connector portion, and a bore formed longitudinally through thefitting. The connector portion includes threads mateable with a gardenhose. The sprayer includes a nozzle connected to the fitting.

The nozzle includes a sleeve portion configured to receive the fitting'scylindrical portion whereby a sleeve portion of the nozzle is moveable,longitudinally, along the cylindrical portion between first and secondspray positions. In an embodiment, the nozzle is rotatably disposed onthe cylindrical portion. The sprayer includes an o-ring seal disposedinside the sleeve portion, which is operative to provide a seal betweenthe cylindrical portion and the sleeve portion. The nozzle includes aprimary outlet and at least one secondary outlet radially spaced fromthe primary outlet. The cylindrical portion is in fluid communicationwith only the primary outlet when the nozzle is in the first sprayposition, and the cylindrical portion is in fluid communication withboth the primary and secondary outlets when the nozzle is in the secondspray position.

The cylindrical portion of the fitting is adapted to seal with thecylindrical ring when the nozzle is in the first spray position. Ano-ring seal may be disposed inside the cylindrical ring. Alternatively,the cylindrical portion and the cylindrical ring include matingfrustoconical sealing surfaces.

In an embodiment, the primary outlet and the at least one secondaryoutlet is concentric with each other. The nozzle includes a surroundingsidewall extending from the sleeve portion defining an interior region.The surrounding sidewall may diverge from the sleeve portion. Theprimary outlet comprises a cylindrical ring supported in the interiorregion. In an embodiment, the cylindrical ring is supported in theinterior region by a plurality of radially extending stanchions. Thesecondary outlet comprises the area between the surrounding sidewall andthe cylindrical ring. The sprayer also includes a perforated screendisposed adjacent to the primary and secondary outlets.

Embodiments of the adjustable sprayer may also include a retaining ringdisposed in the sleeve portion, and wherein the cylindrical portionincludes a plurality of longitudinally spaced detent grooves adapted toreceive the retaining ring. The detent grooves are adapted to receivethe retaining ring and correspond to the first and second spraypositions respectively.

In other embodiments, the adjustable sprayer includes an outlet insert,having a cylindrical ring and an output end portion that extendsoutwardly from the cylindrical ring. In some embodiments, a flange isdisposed to extend inwardly from an end of the output end portion todefine the shape of the outlet. The outlet insert is coupled with theend portion of the fitting so that it is disposed in the interior of thenozzle. In a first spray position, the cylindrical portion is fullyretracted with respect to the nozzle so that the outlet insert contactsa rearward portion of the nozzle interior. In this position, fluid flowsfrom the outlet of the outlet insert and floods the interior of thenozzle before exiting through a “full diameter” of the perforatedscreen. In the second spray position, the flange of the outlet insert ispositioned against the perforated screen to define a “reduced diameter”of the perforated screen through which fluid is allowed to flow. Therestrictive nature of the “reduced diameter” produces a more narrowfluid spray pattern that reaches a further distance than that affordedby the “full diameter” without altering the spray pattern.

These and other aspects of the adjustable sprayer will be apparent afterconsideration of the Detailed Description and Figures herein.

DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the adjustable sprayer,including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to thefollowing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable sprayer according to afirst exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the adjustable sprayershown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the adjustable sprayer shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable sprayer shownin FIG. 1 in a first spray position;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable sprayer shownin FIG. 1 in a second spray position;

FIG. 5 is a side view in elevation of the nozzle;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the nozzle as viewed from the front;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the nozzle as viewed from the back;

FIG. 8 is a side view in elevation of the fitting;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view as viewed from the front of the fittingshown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fitting as viewed from the back;

FIG. 11 is an adjustable sprayer according to a second exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 12 is an exploded cross-section in perspective of the adjustablesprayer shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13A is a side view in cross-section of the adjustable sprayer shownin FIG. 11 in a first spray position;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable sprayer shownin FIG. 11 in a second spray position; and

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-section illustrating the assembly of theperforated screen and nozzle insert.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an adjustable sprayer according to athird exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the adjustable sprayershown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an exploded side view of the adjustable sprayer shown in FIG.15;

FIG. 18A is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable sprayer shownin FIG. 15 in a first spray position;

FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable sprayer shownin FIG. 15 in a second spray position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to theaccompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way ofillustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments aredisclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as being limited to theembodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The adjustable sprayer 5, shown in FIG. 1, includes a fitting 10 with anozzle 40 attached thereto. Nozzle 40 also includes a perforated screen32, which is sometimes referred to as a water breaker. With furtherreference to FIG. 2, the fitting 10 includes a connector portion 12 withan elongate cylindrical portion 14 extending therefrom. A bore 16 isformed longitudinally through the fitting. Connector portion 12 mayreceive a washer 28. For instance, washer 28 may be comprised of rubberto provide a seal between a garden hose and the connector portion.Mating threads 18 enable threaded engagement with threaded connectors ongarden hoses and the like.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, nozzle 40 includes a sleeve portion 42that is configured to receive the cylindrical portion 14 whereby thenozzle 40 is movable longitudinally along the cylindrical portionbetween first and second spray positions. Nozzle 40 also includes asurrounding sidewall 44 and a cylindrical ring 52 supported in theinterior 50 of the surrounding sidewall 44. Surrounding sidewall 44extends from sleeve portion 42. In this case, surrounding sidewall 44diverges away from the sleeve portion. In this embodiment, cylindricalring 52 is supported in the interior 50 of surrounding sidewall 44 by aplurality of radially extending stanchions 74. Thus, nozzle 40 includesa primary outlet 60 and at least one secondary outlet 62 radially spacedfrom the primary outlet. Primary outlet 60 is defined by the interior ofring 52, whereas the secondary outlet is defined by the inner surface 70of surrounding sidewall 44 and the outer surface 72 of cylindrical ring52 (see FIG. 6).

Perforated screen 32 includes a plurality of holes 34 through whichwater is sprayed. With reference to FIG. 3, the perforated screen 32snaps into groove 33 of nozzle 40. Groove 33 also accommodates an O-ring36 against which the perforated screen 32 seals. Perforated screen 32also seals against O-ring 38 which is supported by cylindrical ring 52.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, sleeve portion 42 includes a retainingring groove 46 in which resides a retaining ring 56. In this case,retaining ring 56 may be a snap ring of metal construction. Sleeveportion 42 also includes an O-ring groove or seal groove 48 within whichis disposed an O-ring 58. Accordingly, the elongate cylindrical portion14 of fitting 10 is sealed against the O-ring 58 when inserted into thesleeve portion 42. Retaining ring 56 is operative to engage detentgrooves 22, 24 formed around the outside of the elongate cylindricalportion. It should be understood that the nozzle 40 may rotate about thecylindrical portion 14.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first and second spray positions maybe more fully understood. In FIG. 4A, the adjustable sprayer is shown ina first spray position in which the cylindrical portion 14 is in fluidcommunication with only the primary outlet 60. When the nozzle is in thefirst spray position, O-ring 76 seals against an end portion 13 offitting 10. Accordingly, fluid flowing from the adjustable sprayer isdirected through only the primary outlet 60 as indicated by arrows F1.As shown in FIG. 4B, when the nozzle is in the second spray position,fluid is allowed to flow through both the primary outlet 60 and thesecondary outlets 62. Fluid flowing from the primary outlet 60 isindicated by arrows F1, and fluid flowing through the secondary outletsis indicated by arrows F2. It can also be appreciated in FIGS. 4A and 4Bthat the nozzle is retained in the first and second spray positions whenretaining ring 56 engages a respective detent groove 22 or 24.

The nozzle 40, as shown in FIGS. 5-7, includes a sleeve portion 42 fromwhich extends a diverging surrounding sidewall 44. The surroundingsidewall 44 defines an interior region 50 in which is supported acylindrical ring 52. Cylindrical ring 52 defines the primary outlet 60while the secondary outlet (or outlets) 62 is defined as the regionbetween the inner surface 70 of surrounding sidewall 44 and outersurface 72 of cylindrical ring 52. In this embodiment, cylindrical ring52 is supported in the interior region 50 by a plurality of stanchions74.

The fitting 10, as shown in FIGS. 8-10, includes connector portion 12and an elongate cylindrical portion 14, extending from the connectorportion 12. Elongate cylinder 14 has an end portion 13 and a bore 16formed through the fitting. Cylindrical portion 14 also includes aplurality of detent grooves. In this case, the cylindrical portion 14includes two detent grooves 22, 24 which correspond respectively tofirst and second spray positions. Cylindrical portion 14 also includes abarb 26 adjacent detent groove 24. Barb 26 inhibits removal of nozzle 40from fitting 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the connector portion 12 includesthreads 18 configured for attachment to a garden hose, for instance.

An adjustable sprayer 105 according to a second exemplary embodiment isshown in FIGS. 11-14. Adjustable sprayer 105 also includes a fitting 110and a nozzle 140 disposed on the fitting. Nozzle 140 also includes awater breaker in the form of a perforated screen 132. Perforated screen132 includes a plurality of holes 134 through which water is sprayed.With reference to FIG. 12, it can be appreciated that adjustable sprayer105 is similar to the embodiment described above with respect to FIGS.1-10. However, in this case, the nozzle 140 also includes a cover 141and an outlet insert 143. As above, the nozzle 140 includes a sleeveportion 142 from which extends the surrounding sidewall 144 defining aninterior 150. Sleeve portion 142 includes a retaining ring groove 146 inwhich resides a retaining ring 156. Retaining ring 156 may be a snapring of metal construction. Sleeve portion 142 also includes an O-ringgroove or seal groove 148 within which an O-ring 158 is disposed.Accordingly, the elongate cylindrical portion 114 of fitting 10 issealed against the O-ring 158 when inserted into the sleeve portion 142.Retaining ring 156 operates to engage detent grooves 122, 124 formedaround the outside of the elongate cylindrical portion. It should beunderstood that the nozzle 140 may rotate about the cylindrical portion114.

The outlet insert 143 is disposed in the interior 150 of the nozzle 140.Outlet insert 143 includes an outer ring 151 and an inner ring 152. Theinner ring 152 is supported within the outer ring 151 by a plurality ofstanchions 174. In this case, the primary outlet 160 is defined by theinterior of inner ring 152. Secondary outlets 162 are defined by theregion between the inner ring 152 and the outer ring 151.

With reference to FIG. 12, fitting 110 of adjustable sprayer 105 issimilar to that as described above, in that it includes a connectorportion 112 from which extends a cylindrical portion 114. Cylindricalportion 114 includes a plurality of detent grooves. In the depictedembodiment, the cylindrical portion 114 includes two detent grooves 122,124 which correspond respectively to first and second spray positions.Cylindrical portion 114 also includes a barb adjacent detent groove 24,which inhibits removal of nozzle 140 from fitting 110. As depicted,various embodiments of the connector portion 112 include mating threads18 configured for attachment to reciprocally threaded fittings, such asthose on garden hoses. A bore 116 is formed longitudinally through thefitting 110. In this case, however, fitting 110 includes a frustoconicalend portion 113 which is adapted to mate with a mating frustoconicalsurface 176 formed in inner ring 152.

With further reference to FIG. 13A, it can be appreciated that when thenozzle is in the first spray position, frustoconical mating surfaces 113and 176 provide a seal between the end portion 113 and inner ring 152.Accordingly, when in the first spray position, fluid flows only throughthe primary outlet 160. With reference to FIG. 13B, when the nozzle isin the second spray position, fluid is allowed to flow through bothprimary outlet 160 indicated by arrows F1 as well as through secondaryoutlets 162 indicated by arrows F2.

FIG. 14 illustrates the installation of outlet insert 143 intosurrounding sidewall 144. Outer ring 151 of the outlet insert 143includes a flange 157 which is disposed in groove 133 formed around theinterior of surrounding sidewall 144. The outlet insert 143 is retainedin groove 133 by perforated screen 132. Perforated screen 132 includes asurrounding flange 137 which may be pressed into the groove 133 againstflange 157 to engage an edge of groove 133, thereby retaining both theperforated screen 132 and the outlet insert 143 in the nozzle 140.

With reference to FIGS. 15-18B, an adjustable sprayer 205 includes afitting 210 and nozzle 240. Nozzle 240 includes a perforated screen 232,through which water or other fluids exit the adjustable sprayer 205. Thefitting 210 includes a connector portion 212 with an elongatecylindrical portion 214 extending therefrom to an opposing end portion213. A bore 216 extends longitudinally through the fitting 210. Invarious embodiments, connector portion 212 includes a washer 228 toprovide a seal between a garden hose and the connector portion 212.Mating threads 218 enable threaded engagement with threaded connectorson garden hoses and the like.

With reference to FIGS. 15-17, nozzle 240 includes a sleeve portion 242that is configured to receive the cylindrical portion 214. In thismanner, the nozzle 240 is movable longitudinally along, and may rotateabout, the cylindrical portion 214 between first and second spraypositions. In various embodiments, sleeve portion 242 includes an O-ringgroove or seal groove 248 within which an O-ring 258 is disposed.Accordingly, the elongate cylindrical portion 214 of fitting 210 issealed against the O-ring 258 when inserted into the sleeve portion 142.Nozzle 240 also includes a surrounding sidewall 244, which extends fromsleeve portion 242 to define an interior 250 of the nozzle 240. Invarious embodiments, surrounding sidewall 244 diverges away from thesleeve portion 242. The perforated screen 232 at least partiallyencloses the distal, open end of the nozzle 240. In some embodiments,the open end of the nozzle 240 includes an annular groove 233, whichalso accommodates an O-ring 236 against which the perforated screen 32seals. A retaining ring 238 may be positioned within annular groove 239to retain the perforated screen 232 within the nozzle 240 and in sealingengagement with the O-ring 236.

With reference to FIGS. 16-18B, the adjustable sprayer 205 includes anoutlet insert 280. In various embodiments, the outlet insert 280includes a cylindrical ring 282 and an output end portion 284, whichextends outwardly from the cylindrical ring 282. In at least someembodiments, the output end portion 284 may have a generallyfrustoconical shape that terminates in an outlet 286. In someembodiments, a flange 288 is disposed to extend inwardly from an end ofthe output end portion 284 to define the shape of the outlet 286. Inparticular, the flange 288 includes an inner diameter edge portion thatdefines the outlet 286. In the depicted embodiment, the flange 288extends generally perpendicular to a central axis of the cylindricalring 282. The outlet insert 280 is coupled with the end portion 213. Insome embodiments, the cylindrical ring includes an annular lockinggroove 290. In such embodiments, the locking groove 290 is positioned toreceive an annular locking barb 292 that extends from the end portion213, which is shaped to be press-fit within the locking groove 290. Inthis position, the outlet insert is disposed in the interior 250 of thenozzle 240.

With reference to FIGS. 18A and 18B, the first and second spraypositions of the adjustable sprayer 205 may be more fully understood. InFIG. 18A, the adjustable sprayer 205 is shown in a first spray positionin which the cylindrical portion 214 is fully retracted with respect tothe nozzle 240. In this position, a shoulder 294 of the cylindrical ring282 bottoms out within a recess 296 formed within a rearward end portionof the interior 250 of the nozzle 240. In this manner, the shoulder 294and recess 296 serve as a positive stop to prevent withdrawal of thefitting 210 from the sleeve portion 242. A portion of an exteriorsurface of the output end portion 284 engages an interior surface of thesurrounding sidewall 244 of the nozzle 240 when the nozzle is in thefirst position. Accordingly, when the nozzle 240 is in the first sprayposition, fluid flows from the outlet 286 of the outlet insert 280 andfloods a forward portion of the interior 250 of the nozzle 240 beforeexiting through the perforated screen 232 as indicated by arrows F1.Specifically, fluid is allowed to flow through a first diameter or “fulldiameter” of the perforated screen 232, as defined by the surroundingsidewall 244, that retains the perforated screen 232 at its peripheraledge portion.

As shown in FIG. 18B, when the nozzle 240 is in the second sprayposition, the flange 288 of the outlet insert 280 is positioned againstthe perforated screen 232, creating a fluid pathway that extends fromthe outlet insert 280 and directly out the nozzle 240. In someembodiments, the outlet insert 280, or at least the flange 288, may beformed from a material with sealing properties, such as a resilientdeformability. Accordingly, the flange 288 defines a second diameter or“reduced diameter” of the perforated screen 232 through which fluid isallowed to flow, as indicated by arrows F2. As depicted by FIGS. 18A and18B, the “full diameter” of the perforated screen 232 is greater thanthe “reduced diameter” of the perforated screen 232. For example, insome embodiments, the “full diameter” may be approximately 1.81 inchesand the “reduced diameter” may be approximately 1.12 inches. Inparticular embodiments, a diameter of the outlet 286 of the outletinsert 280 approximates the “reduced diameter.” The restrictive natureof the “reduced diameter” will produce a more narrow fluid spray patternthat will reach a further distance than that afforded by the “fulldiameter” without altering the spray pattern.

The adjustable sprayers described herein may be comprised of variousmaterials as one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate. Forexample, the fitting 10, 110, 210 may be comprised of metal such asbrass, aluminum, or steel. Alternatively, fitting 10, 110, 210 may becomprised of molded plastic such as ABS. Nozzle 40, 140, 240 may becomprised of brass, aluminum, or steel such as in the case of thefitting. Also, the nozzle 40, 140, 240 may be comprised of plastic suchas ABS. The nozzle cover 141 may be comprised of a suitable materialwhich may be either molded onto nozzle 140 or forcibly installed overthe nozzle. Accordingly, nozzle cover 141 may be comprised of a hardrubber or other suitably flexible material. The components describedherein may be molded or machined, for example.

Also contemplated herein are methods of varying the spray from a nozzle.The methods thus encompass the steps inherent in the above describedstructures and operation thereof. Although the technology and methods ofusing and/or applying the same have been described in language that isspecific to certain structures, materials, and methodological steps, itis to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims isnot necessarily limited to the specific structures, materials, and/orsteps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described asforms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments ofthe invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafterappended. Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, suchas those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used inthe specification (other than the claims) are understood as modified inall instances by the term “approximately.” At the very least, and not asan attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents tothe claims, each numerical parameter recited in the specification orclaims which is modified by the term “approximately” should at least beconstrued in light of the number of recited significant digits and byapplying ordinary rounding techniques. Moreover, all ranges disclosedherein are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claimsthat recite any and all subranges or any and all individual valuessubsumed therein. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should beconsidered to include and provide support for claims that recite any andall subranges or individual values that are between and/or inclusive ofthe minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, allsubranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with amaximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and soforth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable sprayer, comprising: a fittingincluding a connector portion, an elongate cylindrical portion extendingfrom the connector portion, an end portion opposite the connectorportion, and a bore formed longitudinally through the fitting; a nozzleincluding: (i) a sleeve portion configured to receive the cylindricalportion, whereby the nozzle is moveable along the cylindrical portionbetween first and second spray positions; (ii) a surrounding sidewallextending from the sleeve portion defining an open end of the nozzle;(iii) a water breaker positioned within the open end of the nozzle; and(iv) an interior region defined at least partially by the surroundingsidewall and water breaker; an outlet insert having a cylindrical ring,supported by the end portion of the fitting in the interior region ofthe nozzle, and an open output end portion that extends outwardly fromthe cylindrical ring; and wherein the outlet insert is spaced rearwardlyfrom the water breaker, within the interior region of the nozzle, whenthe nozzle is in the first spray position, whereby a fluid pathwayextends from an outlet of the outlet insert to the interior region ofthe nozzle and then through a first diameter of the water breaker; andwherein the outlet insert contacts the water breaker when the nozzle isin the second spray position, whereby a fluid pathway extends from theoutlet of the outlet insert directly through a second diameter of thewater breaker, bypassing the interior region of the nozzle; the firstdiameter of the water breaker being larger than the second diameter ofthe water breaker.
 2. The adjustable sprayer of claim 1, wherein: aterminal end portion of the outlet inset is in sealing contact with thewater breaker when the nozzle is in the second spray position.
 3. Theadjustable sprayer of claim 1, wherein: the outlet insert furthercomprises a flange that extends radially inward from a terminal endportion of the output end portion; the flange having an inner diameteredge portion that defines the outlet of the outlet insert; and theflange contacting the water breaker when the nozzle is in the secondspray position.
 4. The adjustable sprayer of claim 3, wherein: theflange of the outlet insert defines the second diameter of the waterbreaker.
 5. The adjustable sprayer of claim 1, wherein: a diameter ofthe outlet of the outlet insert defines the second diameter of the waterbreaker.
 6. The adjustable sprayer of claim 1, wherein: the output endportion of the outlet insert are frustoconically shaped.
 7. Theadjustable sprayer of claim 1, wherein: at least a portion of anexterior surface of the output end portion engages an interior surfaceof the surrounding sidewall of the nozzle when the nozzle is in thefirst position.
 8. The adjustable sprayer of claim 7, wherein: thesurrounding sidewall of the nozzle diverges outwardly from the sleeveportion.
 9. The adjustable sprayer of claim 1, wherein: a rearwardshoulder portion of the cylindrical ring engages a rearward portion ofthe nozzle interior region when the nozzle is in the first position. 10.The adjustable sprayer of claim 1, wherein: a rearward shoulder portionof the cylindrical ring is received within an annular recess formedwithin a rearward portion of the nozzle interior region when the nozzleis in the first position.
 11. The adjustable sprayer of claim 1,wherein: the connector portion includes threads mateable with a gardenhose.
 12. The adjustable sprayer of claim 1, wherein: the nozzle isrotatably disposed on the cylindrical portion of the fitting.
 13. Theadjustable sprayer of claim 1, wherein: the water breaker is aperforated screen, having a plurality of uniformly sized andspaced-apart openings across a face of the water breaker.
 14. Anadjustable sprayer, comprising: a fitting including a connector portion,an elongate cylindrical portion extending from the connector portion,and a bore formed longitudinally through the fitting; a nozzle includinga sleeve portion configured to receive the cylindrical portion wherebythe nozzle is moveable along the cylindrical portion between first andsecond spray positions, the nozzle further including a surroundingsidewall extending from the sleeve portion defining an interior regionand an output opening; an outlet insert having a cylindrical ring,supported by the end portion of the fitting in the interior region ofthe nozzle, and an open output end portion that extends outwardly anddivergently from the cylindrical ring; wherein the outlet insert isreciprocally movable within the interior region of the nozzle as thenozzle is moved, with respect to the fitting and the outlet insert,between the first and second spray positions; the outlet insert beingpositioned adjacent a rearward end portion of the nozzle when the nozzleis in the first spray position, creating a fluid pathway that extendsfrom the outlet insert, into the interior region of the nozzle, and outthe nozzle output opening as a fluid stream having a first width; theoutlet insert being positioned adjacent the nozzle output opening whenthe nozzle is in the second spray position, creating a fluid pathwaythat extends from the outlet insert and out the nozzle output opening asa fluid stream having a second width, which is less than the firstwidth.
 15. The adjustable sprayer of claim 14, further comprising: awater breaker positioned within the output opening of the nozzle,wherein the outlet insert is positioned closely adjacent the waterbreaker when the nozzle is in the second spray position.
 16. Theadjustable sprayer of claim 15, wherein: the outlet insert furthercomprises a flange that extends radially inward from a terminal endportion of the output end portion; the flange having an inner diameteredge portion that defines the outlet of the outlet insert; and theflange contacting the water breaker when the nozzle is in the secondspray position.
 17. The adjustable sprayer of claim 16, wherein: theflange of the outlet insert defines the second width of the fluidstream.
 18. The adjustable sprayer of claim 16, wherein: the flange ofthe outlet inset is in sealing contact with the water breaker when thenozzle is in the second spray position.